Hobson has four unifying themes: How do we know?, the significance of post-Newtonian physics (modern physics), energy, and the social context of physics. These themes become evident in the writing and pedagogy throughout the fourth edition.

New To This Edition

Updated, extensively revised chapters on relativity:

Cleanly separates special and general relativity chapters (Chapters 10 and 11), so instructors can present and omit material as they choose.

All cosmological material is now gathered into Chapter 11, making this topic easier for instructors to teach.

More modern, straightforward treatment of quantum physics Simplifies presentation for instructors and makes material more interesting; avoids the confusion associated with wave-particle duality.

New and updated societal topics, such as nuclear terrorism Lends relevance and urgency to the material, demonstrating the importance of physics in students' lives and in society.

Added and improved ''How Do We Know'' subsections Emphasizes the processes of science.

Conventional terms and symbols used to replace several unconventional terms and symbols from the previous edition. For example:

In the modern physics chapters, "v" rather than "s" is now used for speed.

Hobson has four unifying themes: How do we know?, the significance of post-Newtonian physics (modern physics), energy, and the social context of physics. These themes become evident in the writing and pedagogy throughout the fourth edition.

New To This Edition

Updated, extensively revised chapters on relativity:

Cleanly separates special and general relativity chapters (Chapters 10 and 11), so instructors can present and omit material as they choose.

All cosmological material is now gathered into Chapter 11, making this topic easier for instructors to teach.

More modern, straightforward treatment of quantum physics Simplifies presentation for instructors and makes material more interesting; avoids the confusion associated with wave-particle duality.

New and updated societal topics, such as nuclear terrorism Lends relevance and urgency to the material, demonstrating the importance of physics in students' lives and in society.

Added and improved ''How Do We Know'' subsections Emphasizes the processes of science.

Conventional terms and symbols used to replace several unconventional terms and symbols from the previous edition. For example:

In the modern physics chapters, "v" rather than "s" is now used for speed.